Norwegian Breakaway

Overall Member Rating

Memorable Anniversary Cruise on the New Norwegian Breakaway

Sail Date:
September 2013
Destination:
Bermuda
Embarkation:
New York (Manhattan)

We were greeted on our boarding of the Breakway by a fest of riches. Our two favorite Hotel Directors, Sean from Austria and Hugo from Belgium were both on board this week. Great to see their familiar faces again and they gave us the royal treatment throughout the week. It was a warm welcome.

EMBARKATION: We arrived at the pier about 11AM and Platinum Latitude's boarding was prompt and efficient. Our cabin was ready and immaculate and our Cabin Steward Alfi from India introduced himself. He provided us with excellent service throughout the cruise, promptly granting our every request. We were surprise at how narrow the balcony was, just over 3 feet wide. It was difficult to walk around the chairs on the balcony. Otherwise, we found the layout efficient, good climate control, ample closet space and very comfortable beds.

DINING: We had decided before the cruise to have most of our dinners in the Manhattan Room. We wanted to enjoy the music, the dance floor and the Burn More
the Floor dance performance staged there. We requested and received a nice table for six adjoining the dance floor which we enjoyed almost every night with the same waiters. We were exceedingly fortunate to be served by an outstanding duo in the Manhattan Room every night. Our waiters Imyo Mom from Indonesia and Christopher from the Philippines were superb. They anticipated our every request, served our meals promptly and correctly with valuable suggestions. The food in the Manhattan Room was very good every night and our group never had a single complaint about any meal throughout the cruise. We enjoyed the Manhattan Band who announced our landmark anniversary, played the Anniversary Waltz for us and their talented female vocalist sang "Can I This Dance For the Rest of My Life" as we danced. The staff, well supervided by Asst. Maitre 'D Andrew Hebbert presented us with an anniversary cake as the staff gathered around our table singing "I Love You Truly." We were very moved and gratified by our decision to dine in the Manhattan Room almost every night. When the Manhattan Band was not performing, Nick Lido played a nice selection familiar standard melodies on the piano. Excellent dinner music every night. One night, the Burn the Floor dance group performed there and they were very energetic and talented performers. Our entire group agreed that the Manhattan Room ambiance, music, food and service was outstanding.

We dined one evening at LeBistro to celebrate the birthday of my brother-in-law. We especially enjoyed the bouillabaisse soup, duck, tenderloin of beef and the complimentary wine provided our Platinum members. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch in the Grand Cafe buffet, especially having Eggs Benedict and lox available every morning. There was always good variety in the Garden Cafe but some days at lunch, the carving station only had meatloaf or panini sandwiches? We found the Country Breakfast in O'Sheehans a good choice with excellent service by Junnifer from India. Good breakfasts and service were also available in the Taste and Savor restaurants. We were all enjoyed good food and service at all the many dining venues on the Breakaway.

ENTERTAINMENT: In the theatre, we enjoyed the Magician and the Burn the Floor dance show. We passed on the Rock of Ages show, too contemporary and "adult" for our senior tastes. Pianist Lisa York played and sang our song "Love Letters" for our anniversary but her grand piano near the Mixx Bar was a poor location. Very few seats to hear her play and long lines of people directly in front of her piano waiting to enter the Savor restaurant. Her fine talents were wasted in this location. Pianist Rafal performed in the more suitable Shaker's Bar. We enjoyed the Zumba classes and the Trivia especially when conducted by Joey from the Phillipines who was hilarious. My wife's favorite feature on the ship was the shallow family pool on deck 15 where she could do water exercises. On every othe NCL ship, the pools were all too deep for her to stand.

BERMUDA: We had been there many times before. Due to my lack of mobility, I decided to remain on the ship and enjoy the empty pools and various activities. The rest of group enjoyed shopping in King's Wharf but preferred the pools to going to the beaches. We were blessed with sunny skies and smooth sailing every day.

SUMMARY: A very memorable anniversary cruise from a caring and friendly staff. Less